Labor & Employment

FAQ on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020

The Ministry of Labour published a comprehensive FAQ on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH&WC) Code, 2020, addressing 8 clarification queries as of March 13, 2026. The FAQ covers state government authority for dock workers (Section 18), annual health examinations including provisions for workers above 40 years of age, contract worker welfare facilities under Section 56, mandatory experience certificates, inspector-cum-facilitators replacing traditional inspectors, and penalty rationalization distinguishing compoundable minor offences from serious safety violations under Section 86(1).

William Dalrymple's Keynote on India's Civilizational Openness at EPFO RGDE Season 2

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) inaugurated Season 2 of the Reimagining Governance Discourse for Excellence (RGDE) programme on Civil Services Day, featuring historian and author William Dalrymple as keynote speaker. Dalrymple argued that India's historic strength lay not in conquest but in its openness to the movement of ideas, trade and culture, enabling it to shape civilizations across continents. The session saw active participation from officers across more than 150 field offices and various constituents of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, who engaged in discussions connecting historical patterns to contemporary governance challenges.

Additional FAQs on Labour Codes 16 March 2026

The Ministry of Labour, Government of India issued 21 additional FAQs on 16 March 2026 clarifying provisions of India's Labour Codes (Code on Wages 2019, Code on Social Security 2020, and OSH & WC Code 2020) effective 21 November 2025. Key clarifications include that statutory components such as employer PF and pension contributions and statutory bonus are included for arriving at the 50 percent wage calculation, but gratuity, ESI, and other retirement benefits are excluded. Overtime allowance forms part of the calculation while annual performance-based incentives do not. Fixed-term employees are eligible for gratuity upon completing one year of service from contract start date. Contract labour gratuity is payable by either the principal employer or contractor. ESI coverage applies with a Rs 21,000 per month wage threshold. Leave encashment provisions apply to workers and supervisors earning up to Rs 18,000 per month. Workers can carry forward up to 30 days of leave to the succeeding year.

Occupational Road Safety: Final OSH-RO@D Project Event in Rome

INAIL and partner institutions held the final conference for the OSH-RO@D research project in Rome on April 21, 2026. The multidisciplinary project studied human factors in road accidents, finding that approximately 90% of road accidents are attributable to human factors, while work-related accidents represent about 40% of fatal workplace injuries. Over 20% of accidents are linked to sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The project developed wearable sensor technologies, remote driving simulation scenarios, and virtual reality training modules for driver safety.

INAIL Sicily Events Certify Ministry of Defense Facilities

INAIL held two informational events in Sicily on April 9 and 21, 2026, focused on the verification and certification of plants and equipment used by the Ministry of Defense. Over 120 representatives from the four Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Carabinieri) participated, with events hosted in Palermo and Messina respectively. The events supported the implementation of the convention between INAIL and the Ministry of Defense, enabling military commanders—acting as employers—to use INAIL's CIVA application and technical personnel for equipment certification through the Institute's 36 territorial operational units.

New INAIL Handbook Covers Prevention in Appalti Contracting

INAIL published a new handbook on practical prevention experiences in construction and maintenance contracting (appalti di opere e manutenzioni). The publication was developed by INAIL's research departments and technical health and safety consultancy in collaboration with major market players and the Health Safety & Environment Laboratory of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna di Pisa. The handbook systematises existing prevention practices covering the entire contracting lifecycle, from contractor selection to safety performance reporting, and is designed to support public and private clients, contractors, and prevention professionals in managing interferential risks and strengthening safety culture along the contracting supply chain.

Illegal Workers and Child Labour Found at Meal Delivery in Zwolle

A coordinated inspection by the Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie, municipality of Zwolle, UWV, and police on meal delivery services in Zwolle found 4 illegal workers and multiple minors delivering meals, including a 13-year-old. Employers violated the Arbeidstijdenwet (Working Hours Act) by allowing children under 16 to deliver meals, and violated the Wet arbeid vreemdelingen (Foreign Nationals Employment Act). Approximately 40 businesses and 90 employees were inspected; 116 violations were recorded by police with 1 arrest for driving under the influence. Employers face fines for both violations.

Chinees Restaurant, Leiden, Moet Deuren Sluiten voor Arbeidsrechtelijke Overtredingen

Een Chinees restaurant in Leiden is door de Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie verplicht om een maand de deuren te sluiten wegens herhaalde ernstige overtredingen van de Wet minimumloon en minimumvakantiebijslag, de Wet arbeid vreemdelingen en de Arbeidstijdenwet. Na een gezamenlijke controle met het Haags Economisch Interventie Team werd vastgesteld dat de werkgever opnieuw in de fout was gegaan, ondanks eerdere hoge boetes en een waarschuwing tot preventieve stillegging. De totale boetes bedragen €48.500 euro, waarvan €36.500 voor de WML-overtredingen en €12.000 voor de Wav-overtredingen.

9 Illegal Workers Found in Amsterdam BBQ Restaurant

The Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie, in cooperation with the police, conducted an inspection at a BBQ restaurant in Amsterdam-West on Thursday, April 14, 2026, finding 9 foreign workers without valid employment authorization among 14 total employees. The employer violated the Wet Arbeid vreemdelingen (Wav) by failing to obtain valid work permits for the employees. Workers identified held nationalities from Syria, Turkey, Georgia, and Uzbekistan, with some presenting only phone photos of identity documents. An investigation into suspected violations of the Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act is also underway.

Alaska Workers' Compensation Board Meeting May 14-15, 2026

The Alaska Workers' Compensation Board will hold a full Board meeting on May 14-15, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m., in Hearing Room 208 of the Department of Labor Building at 3301 Eagle Street, Anchorage, Alaska, with virtual participation available via Zoom. The meeting will cover regular business of the Board and Division, including discussion of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act and potential regulation changes. Public comment is scheduled for 10:15-11:15 a.m. on May 14, 2026. Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026.

Medical Services Review Committee Meetings May 28-Aug 7, 2026

The Alaska Workers' Compensation Division's Medical Services Review Committee has scheduled four public meetings on May 28, June 26, July 17, and August 7, 2026, each from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with public comment periods held from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at each meeting. The August 7 meeting will be held in person at 3301 Eagle St. Rm 208, Anchorage, AK 99503, while the other three meetings will be conducted via Zoom only. The committee will develop recommendations relating to the Alaska Medical Fee Schedule to be adopted under 8 AAC 45.083 for calendar year 2027.

County Unemployment Data for February 2026 Released

The Washington Employment Security Department has released February 2026 county unemployment rates and employment data. Grays Harbor County reported 6.5% unemployment (down from 7.2% in February 2025) and added 310 jobs year-over-year, while Pacific County reported 7.3% unemployment (down from 7.5%) and added 150 jobs. The agency notes that county-level data is not seasonally adjusted due to small sample sizes in some counties and should not be compared directly to the statewide seasonally adjusted rate.

Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford to Host Public Event April 10

The Texas Department of Insurance will host a Speak Up, Texas! public event in Nacogdoches on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at The Fredonia Hotel. Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford will discuss the home and auto insurance market, tips for shopping for insurance, and how TDI can assist Texans. Texans unable to attend in person can submit ideas online at www.tdi.texas.gov/speakuptexas.

Commissioner Crawford Hosts Speak Up Texas Event San Antonio April 17

TDI Commissioner Amanda Crawford will host a Speak Up, Texas! community event on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at UT San Antonio's Downtown Campus in the Durango Building's Riverwalk Room B (501 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.). The event invites Texans to share ideas on strengthening and improving the home and auto insurance market, learn tips for shopping for insurance, and understand how TDI can assist Texas consumers. Texans unable to attend in person can submit feedback online at tdi.texas.gov/speakuptexas.

Illinois Green Film Tax Credit, 5% Additional Uplift

Illinois has launched a first-in-the-nation Green Film Tax Credit program offering an additional 5% tax credit uplift for film and television productions that achieve "certified green production" status through the Illinois Film Office, which uses a comprehensive scoring system to measure environmental impact across all phases of production. The announcement coincides with Illinois' film production expenditures reaching a record $703 million in 2025, supporting approximately 18,000 industry hires. The program is designed to incentivize sustainable practices including waste minimization, energy reduction, efficient transportation, sustainable materials, and responsible food practices on set.

11 Therapy Canine Teams Graduate in Illinois Crisis Response Program

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB), in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), graduated the inaugural cohort of the nation's first Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program on April 22, 2026. The 11 certified therapy canine teams representing seven Illinois agencies completed rigorous training in crisis intervention, behavioral health awareness, and canine-handler coordination. The program establishes standardized training guidelines for therapy canines working alongside law enforcement in mental health calls, community engagement, and post-trauma response situations.

Illinois State Fair 2026, 100 Days Celebration, May 5th

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2026 Illinois State Fair "100 Days Out" Celebration, scheduled for May 5, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The free event will feature food vendors including Mickey's Massive Burritos, On Point Concessions, Taft's Mr. Ribeye, Vose's Korndog, and Scoop Du Jour, along with prize package giveaways. The 2026 Illinois State Fair itself will run from August 13-23.

Legal Decisions, Notices, Resources, Seminars for Workers' Compensation

The New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation has published an updated legal information page aggregating recent court notices, rule amendments, and seminar announcements. The 2025 May Day Seminar is scheduled for May 5th from 1PM to 4PM at each court vicinage, covering Public Employee Issues, Ethical Use of AI, and Temporary Disability matters, with 3.6 CLE credits available including 1.2 ethics credits. Registration closes May 2, 2025 with the Head Clerk at each vicinage. Historical entries document the Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century Responders Protection Act reporting requirements and 2022 rule amendments to N.J.A.C. 12:235-3.11, 3.12, and new rule 3.19.

Alaska January 2026 Jobs Report Shows 0.1% Gain

Alaska's statewide employment increased by 200 jobs (0.1%) from January 2025 to January 2026, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The transportation, warehousing and utilities sector led gains with 900 new jobs, followed by private education and health care (800) and manufacturing (700). Job losses occurred in professional and business services (-300) and information (-200). Government employment fell by 2,400 jobs, nearly canceling private sector gains. Alaska's unemployment rate was 4.8% versus the U.S. rate of 4.3%.

Alaska Wins Gold for Unemployment Insurance Data Exchange Award

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Unemployment Insurance Program received the Gold Award from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) on April 16, 2026, at the SIDES Seminar in Denver, Colorado. Alaska was recognized for achieving 100% connection with SIDES integrated partners—companies or organizations whose internal software is directly connected to the State Information Data Exchange System for automatic data exchange. The award highlights Alaska's successful electronic integration with all SIDES partners, enabling employers and Third-Party Administrators to process UI information exchanges through standardized web-based programs instead of manual paper forms.

Multiple Fee Schedule Adjustments, MTUS Updates, QME Exam Announcements

The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) Newsline archives a series of announcements from January through April 2026 covering multiple Official Medical Fee Schedule adjustments for hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, DMEPOS, pathology/laboratory, and physician/non-physician practitioner services; adoption of MTUS Drug List updates effective April 30, 2026; a new QME process regulation (section 55.1) effective April 1, 2026; and an increased mileage rate for medical and medical-legal travel expenses effective January 1, 2026. The DWC also announces QME exam applications open for April 11–17, 2026, a Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meeting on April 15, 2026, and proposals open for public comment on ADA accommodation regulations and attorney deposition fee ranges.

Shapiro Budget Proposes $7M for Schools-to-Work Program

Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal calls for increasing Pennsylvania's Schools-to-Work program funding to $7 million to strengthen workforce pipelines in manufacturing, healthcare, and other in-demand fields. L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker toured Pitt-Titusville's Manufacturing Assistance Center and nursing lab to highlight how the investment helps students in rural Pennsylvania prepare for careers. The budget also proposes $18 million for vo-tech and CTE programs, $6.3 million for the Industry Partnership program, and a $1 million increase for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

National Apprenticeship Week April 26–May 2, 2026

The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA) announces National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) running April 26–May 2, 2026, a nationwide celebration recognizing Registered Apprenticeship programs. The IOA is inviting all RA program sponsors to submit events via the ApprenticeshipUSA Event Submission Form and is hosting a virtual panel discussion with the Iowa Apprenticeship Council on Tuesday, April 28 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Success stories from apprenticeship programs at Missouri Valley Lineman Apprenticeship, Broadlawns Medical Center, and MidAmerican Energy Company's Training Center for Excellence are also highlighted.

Iowa Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.4% in February

Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4 percent in February 2026, with 58,700 unemployed residents compared to 59,100 in January. Total nonfarm employment fell by 4,400 jobs to 1,576,400, with private education services (-1,400) and professional/business services (-1,400) reporting the largest monthly losses, while construction added 700 jobs for its fourth consecutive monthly gain.

February 2026 Local Employment Unemployment Data Released for Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for February 2026. Nonseasonally adjusted data shows unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the month and over the year. Of Wisconsin's 35 largest cities, unemployment increased in 34 over the year (Superior was the only city with a year-over-year decrease). Among counties, 71 saw month-over-month increases while Clark County was the sole county with a monthly decrease.

PIP Digital Self-Serve Application Route Evaluation Findings

The DWP published evaluation findings on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Digital Self-Serve (DSS) application route on 26 March 2026 (updated 22 April 2026). The report covers impact and process evaluation findings across the full PIP customer journey from initial registration through to appeal stage, using administrative data analysis and qualitative research with customers and DWP staff including Healthcare Professionals and Case Managers. The research forms part of the Health Transformation Programme evaluation.

Get Britain Working Labour Market Insights April 2026 Official Statistics

The DWP has announced the Get Britain Working Labour Market Insights April 2026 publication, a quarterly series of labour market official statistics in development. The release date is confirmed as 30 April 2026 at 9:30am. This represents a new quarterly statistical publication from the Department for Work and Pensions, marking an addition to the official statistics in development series tracking UK labour market data.

Draft Apprenticeship Funding Rules, England, 2026 to 2027

The Department for Work and Pensions has published draft apprenticeship funding rules for England covering the 2026 to 2027 academic year (1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027). The draft rules apply to employers, employer-providers, and main providers, and include a summary of changes explaining specific rules that will change from 1 August 2026. Feedback is requested by Wednesday 6 May 2026 via email, with an updated version to be published in May 2026.

Maine Unemployment 3.2% in February 2026, Jobs Near 660k

Maine's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.2% in February 2026, remaining essentially unchanged from the 3.3% rate recorded for the prior 13 months. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs remained near 660,000 for the twenty-second consecutive month. The state's not seasonally adjusted unemployment was 3.7% statewide, with rates varying by county and metro area. Private sector workers averaged 33.4 hours per workweek and $33.64 per hour, with hourly earnings increasing 2.7% year-over-year.

Colorado Employment Situation February 2026

Colorado lost 7,200 nonfarm payroll jobs in February 2026, with private sector shedding all 7,200 positions while government remained unchanged, bringing total nonfarm employment to 2,953,500. The state's unemployment rate held steady at 3.9 percent, though the labor force contracted by 10,300 to 3,238,500 and the employment-population ratio fell to 64.0 percent, the lowest since September 2020. Over the year, Colorado's job growth rate of -0.3 percent lagged the national rate of 0.1 percent, with the largest private sector gains in educational and health services (≈13,400) offset by losses across financial activities, professional and business services, and manufacturing.

Sacramento Museum, $255k Settlement, Keffiyeh Ban

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) reached a $255,000 settlement with the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) in Sacramento, resolving a discrimination complaint filed by a former employee. CRD found that MOSAC discriminated against the employee based on Arab national origin and ancestry by selectively enforcing a dress-code policy targeting the employee's keffiyeh (traditional Arabic headscarf), then subjected the employee to escalating harassment and retaliation after an internal complaint was filed. The museum, without admitting liability, must revoke its political-symbols policy, provide three years of anti-discrimination training, update internal complaint procedures, notify staff and the board of CRD's findings, issue a formal apology, and pay $255,000 in compensation.

California CRD Opposes HUD Rule Threatening Eviction of 28,670 Mixed-Status Family Members

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) submitted a formal comment letter on April 21, 2026, opposing HUD's proposed rule that would deny federal housing assistance to otherwise eligible families residing with an ineligible relative due to immigration status. The proposed rule would replace a decades-old proration system — under which HUD provides benefits only to eligible household members without disqualifying the entire family — with a blanket denial of assistance. CRD estimates that 7,190 mixed-eligibility households in California, representing approximately 28,670 individuals, would face eviction or forced family separation if the rule takes effect.

National Minimum Wage Complaint Dismissed Without Jurisdiction

The WRC Adjudication Officer dismissed complaint ADJ-00060962 filed by Danny Lynch against Shelton Contracting Ltd, finding no jurisdiction to hear the National Minimum Wage claim. The dismissal stems from the complainant's failure to request a pay reference period statement from his employer as required under Section 23 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 — a mandatory prerequisite before the WRC can entertain a dispute under Section 24. The officer followed the Labour Court precedent in Mansion House Ltd v Izquierdo, which states the proper course is dismissal without prejudice to the complainant's right to re-enter the complaint having complied with Section 23.

OMB Review Comment Request, Multiemployer Plan Regulations

PBGC is requesting OMB to extend approval for three years (until May 31, 2029) of seven collections of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act related to multiemployer plan regulations under ERISA. The collections cover special withdrawal liability rules (29 CFR Part 4203), variances for sale of assets (29 CFR Part 4204), complete withdrawal liability abatement (29 CFR Part 4207), and partial withdrawal liability abatement (29 CFR Part 4208). Estimated annual burden across all collections is approximately 1,054.5 hours and $718,000. The comment period closes May 22, 2026.

Nevada Leads Nation Adding 30,200 Jobs, 1.9% Growth

Nevada added 30,200 jobs (1.9% growth) from January 2025 to January 2026, reaching over 1.6 million total jobs for the first time on record. DETR's Research & Analysis Bureau conducted its annual analysis of employer quarterly data submitted through the unemployment insurance program, finding that total employment was higher and growing faster than initially reported through the end of 2025. Nevada now ranks first in the nation for job growth, with significant gains in construction, health care, business services, and education.

Nevada Unemployment 5.3% Feb 2026, Las Vegas 5.8%

Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.3 percent in February 2026, unchanged from January and down 0.1 percentage point from 5.4 percent in February 2025. The Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas MSA registered 5.8 percent, Reno-Sparks MSA 4.6 percent, and Carson City MSA 4.5 percent, all not seasonally adjusted. County rates ranged from 3.8 percent in Humboldt County (lowest) to 10.8 percent in Mineral County (highest), with 9 of Nevada's 17 counties recording month-over-month decreases. The state labor force comprised 1,698,029 people, up 40,539 from February 2025.

PBGC Requests Extension of OMB Approval for Multiemployer Plan Information Collections, Comments Close May 22

PBGC has requested that OMB extend approval for seven collections of information in its multiemployer plan regulations under ERISA for three years. OMB approvals currently expire May 31, 2026. The notice, a PRA extension request for existing information collections (29 CFR Parts 4203, 4204, 4207, 4208, 4211, 4213, and 4221), solicits public comment; no comments were received on PBGC's advance January 12, 2026 notice (91 FR 1217). The seven OMB control numbers (1212-0021, 1212-0023, 1212-0035, 1212-0039, 1212-0044, 1212-0053, 1212-0066) cover withdrawal liability determinations, abatement rules, and allocation of unfunded vested benefits. Estimated annual burdens range from 0.5 hours (partial withdrawal abatement) to 1,050 hours (asset-sale variances), with cost estimates from $1,000 to $702,000 per collection annually.

Puerto Rico Labor Portal Modernizes, Improves Data Access

The Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH) has redesigned its Labor Market Information Portal at mercadolaboral.pr.gov, adding a modern interface with educational tools and improved data navigation. A new feature allows citizens to identify field staff, view their assigned regions, and verify their identity, addressing distrust from fraud incidents in survey collection. The initiative, completed at no cost to the agency, aligns with the Governor's government modernization agenda and provides faster access to employment, wage, and labor trend data for citizens, employers, and workers.

Focus Four Campaign 2025 Addresses Construction Fatal Four Hazards

MD OSHA has launched its 2025 Focus Four Campaign running March through June, targeting construction industry hazards including falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between hazards, and electrocutions. The campaign delivers toolbox talks, onsite visits, and hands-on educational sessions as part of a multi-agency effort with OSHA and construction industry partners. According to BLS data, 1,075 construction worker deaths occurred in 2023, representing 20% of all 5,283 worker fatalities, with the 'Fatal Four' hazards accounting for 56% of construction deaths.

Trench Safety: Slope Shore Shield Methods

OSHA's trench safety guidance emphasizes three protective methods—sloping or benching trench walls, shoring with supports, or shielding with trench boxes—to prevent cave-ins, the leading cause of worker fatalities in excavation work. The guidance instructs employers to ensure safe entry and exit, keep materials away from trench edges, monitor for standing water and atmospheric hazards, and verify proper inspection before any worker enters a trench. Applicable standards include 29 CFR 1926.650, 29 CFR 1926.651, and 29 CFR 1926.652.

Bird Flu Prevention Guidance for Maryland Workers

The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSH) published a resource page consolidating guidance on avian influenza (bird flu) prevention for Maryland workers. The page describes how bird flu spreads from infected birds to humans through direct contact, contaminated environments, or intermediate animal hosts, and links to federal resources from OSHA, CDC, USDA, and other agencies covering worker protection, PPE, and outbreak response.

Iowa Recognizes Grain Safety Week Mar 30–Apr 3

Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa has proclaimed the week of March 30–April 3, 2026 as Stand Up for Grain Safety Week, highlighting grain bin hazards including suffocation from engulfment, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, and mechanical dangers from augers and rotating shafts. The proclamation, signed by the Governor, encourages agricultural employers to develop safety and health programs and collaborate with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to improve prevention efforts. The announcement draws attention to the lack of specialized rescue equipment and training available to many fire departments for grain bin rescues.

ELA Conference Postponed to May 12-13, 2026 Due to Security Concerns

The European Labour Authority announced the postponement of its conference on declared work and the Plenary meeting of the Platform, originally scheduled for March 11-12, to May 12-13, 2026 in Cyprus. The decision prioritises the safety and well-being of participants amid evolving security concerns and flight disruptions in the region. Any updates will be communicated via the ELA website and social media channels.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary February 2026 Area Unemployment Rates

The New York State Labor Department released preliminary unemployment rates for areas throughout New York State for February 2026. The data was published on April 21, 2026, and includes unemployment figures for metropolitan statistical areas and other regions. This statistical release provides economic indicators for the state's labor market conditions.

DOL Recovers $63,645 for 8 Austin Restaurant Workers Denied Overtime

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found that El Beto's Tacos LLC, operating as Beto's Restaurant and Bar in Austin, Texas, violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to pay overtime premiums and making illegal wage deductions from tipped employees. Investigators determined workers averaged over eight overtime hours weekly without proper compensation. The employer also deducted uniform expenses from tipped workers' wages, resulting in pay below the minimum wage. The DOL recovered $63,645 in back wages for the eight affected workers.

DOL 2026 Virtual Seminars on Prevailing Wage for Federal Contractors

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division announced it will host free virtual seminars on prevailing wage requirements for federal contractors on May 20-21 and September 23-24, 2026. Sessions will cover the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, the Service Contract Act, and related topics, with attendance free but requiring registration through Eventbrite. The seminars aim to help contractors, contracting agencies, unions, and workers improve compliance with federal wage laws on federally funded construction and service contracts.

DOL Seeks 204 Puerto Rico Police Officers for $128K Unclaimed Back Wages

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division is seeking 204 current or former Puerto Rico Police Department officers who worked between June 13, 2010,, and August 31, 2014, to claim $128,704 in unclaimed back wages. The distribution stems from a 2016 federal court order requiring the police department to pay $8,732,386 in back wages and interest to 2,642 officers for Fair Labor Standards Act violations, primarily failure to pay overtime properly. Affected workers can contact the division at 1-202-343-5524 or use the Workers Owed Wages online search tool with the term 'PR Police.'

DOL Proposes Joint Employer Status Rule Under FLSA, FMLA, MSPA

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has published a proposed rule to establish a single nationwide standard for determining joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. The proposal addresses divergent federal circuit court precedent by proposing an aligned analysis across all three statutes. A 60-day public comment period closes June 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Joint employers are jointly and severally liable for all wages, overtime premiums, and other employee rights under the covered laws.

DOL Publishes 2026 LLSIL Income Thresholds for WIOA Youth Programs

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has published the 2026 Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL) tables for use under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). These income thresholds, updated annually to reflect cost-of-living changes based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), are used by state and local workforce development boards to determine eligibility for youth and adult workforce services. The 2026 tables are applicable as of April 22, 2026.

Michigan Awards $4M in Youth Employment Grants to Michigan Works Agencies

Michigan LEO announced $4 million in youth employment grants ($3M Young Professionals + $1M Young Professionals Plus) awarded to 16 Michigan Works! agencies statewide. The grants support career exploration, job skills training, and employment opportunities for youth ages 14-24 facing employment barriers. Individual agency allocations range from $55,000 to $218,018, with recipients including Capital Area Michigan Works!, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!, and 13 other regional agencies. In 2025, more than 600 young people participated in Young Professionals activities.